Local organizations host fundraiser to combat regional hunger

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Empty Bowls fundraiser has been a St. Joseph staple for over 20 years, with goals to combat regional hunger.

Several organizations and restaurants supply soups and chilis to all who attend the event.

Organized by InterServ, Second Harvest Community Food Bank, Catholic Charities, and Open Door Food Kitchen, the event took place inside the Word of Life Church.

"It's really a great collaboration of those four entities that are providing huger relief throughout St. Joseph that we're celebrating and honoring today," Second Harvest CEO Chad Higdon said.

The event also served as a friendly competition for all who provided dishes during the lunch.

"There's a first, second, and third place prize for some of the soups," Higdon said. "It really is a great way to recognized their efforts and how much they contribute to this as well."

InterServ's "Bee Hive" pulled pork chili won first place, Hazel's vegetable beef stew came in second and Felix Street Gourmet's buffalo chicken soup took home third.

All proceeds from the event are set to go toward The Hunger Coalition.